CAT Inspection & Quality Control 2

Question 1

During an inspection of a smoke detector, the technician finds a layer of dust inside the sensing chamber. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Clean the chamber with compressed air and document the finding

Answer

Dust in the sensing chamber can cause false alarms or reduced sensitivity, so cleaning and documenting the condition is required.

Question 2

What does NFPA 72 require regarding the spacing of heat detectors in a standard ceiling height room?

Accepted Answer

Detectors must not exceed a listed spacing, typically 50 ft between units

Answer

NFPA 72 limits heat detector spacing based on the listed spacing provided by the manufacturer, commonly up to 50 ft.

Question 3

A pull station is found to be stuck in the activated position during inspection. What should the technician do first?

Accepted Answer

Notify the building owner and place the panel in alarm bypass while repairing

Answer

The owner must be notified, and the impaired zone should be managed per NFPA 72 impairment procedures before repair.

Question 4

Which test verifies that an alarm signal initiated at a field device is received correctly at the central monitoring station?

Accepted Answer

End-to-end functional test

Answer

An end-to-end functional test confirms the complete signal path from the initiating device through the panel to the monitoring station.

Question 5

When inspecting a control panel, the technician observes that a trouble LED has been masked with tape. What should be done?

Accepted Answer

Remove the tape, investigate the underlying trouble condition, and document findings

Answer

Masking indicators is a code violation; the underlying trouble must be identified and corrected per NFPA 72.

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Level I Practice Test